Florence Matthews, educator, dead at 91

After a career in education, Florence Matthews retired to East Hampton in 1978. But her family and friends say Matthews' concept of retirement defied convention.

"She felt people needed stimulation and that they should continue to be creative to have a worthwhile retirement," said her daughter, Roberta Monat of Huntington.

Matthews, who for 30 years created educational, cultural and intellectual avenues primarily for East End retired professionals, died April 5 of cancer. She was 91.

"She was devoted to not just doing something, but good things," said Florence Kulick, 86, also of East Hampton and a friend for more than 30 years. "She was such a special person, and deep, deep kind friendships developed around her."

Matthews graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Hunter College in Manhattan and then got her master's of arts degree from Hofstra University before teaching in New York City and then on Long Island. She later became a guidance counselor at Valley Stream High School, family said.

But she seemed to flourish again while expanding on her vision of retirement, her daughter said. Monat said that as her mother relocated full time to East Hampton from Merrick in 1978, she noticed a dearth of cultural and educational activities for retirees.

Soon, Matthews and her husband, Clyde, were forming clubs and organizations such as the East Hampton Roundtable, where retired professionals staged weekly discussions; and The Center for Creative Retirement, a Southampton College program linking retired volunteers with their passions, hobbies and interests.

Ed Goodstone, 75, of East Hampton met Matthews after retiring in 1995. A longtime classical trumpet player, Goodstone - thanks to Matthews' connections - soon found himself playing for a community band and programming classical music for a college radio station.

"She made the last 15, 16 years one of the happiest times of my life," Goodstone said.

Kulick said when their husbands developed heart disease in the 1980s, they co-authored "The Hamptons Health Spa Diet Cookbook," designed to cut fat, cholesterol, sugar and calories from traditional recipes.

"She absolutely was a role model for senior citizens in dress, demeanor, intelligence and participation," Kulick said.

Matthews is survived by her children, Monat and Mark Matthews of Orlando, Fla., five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Her husband died in 2006.